Clemson hoping to land Dawkins Jr.

In the early 1990s Clemson coach Ken Hatfield signed safety Brian Dawkins from Jacksonville. He was not the most prized member of that recruiting class but he went on to become the most successful as he is a lock for the NFL Hall of Fame. Now the Tigers have offered DB Brian Dawkins Jr. (5-7 158) who, like his dad was, is not the most heralded recruit but obviously has talent and potential.

Dawkins Jr. attended Clemson's camp last week and that's when the offer was made. It's his first though he's also drawing the interest of Washington, Colorado, Colorado State, Wyoming, Utah State and Washington State.

The younger Dawkins certainly loves Clemson and was thrilled by the offer but he's not ready follow his father's trail just yet.

“I've been praying with my family,” he said. “It's one step at a time. I'm not rushing anything. I'll pray about it and leave my options open. I want to evaluate the school more.”

Dawkins Sr. also was at the camp last week and his shadow certainly looms large over Death Valley because of his great career.

“That's a positive because he can give me further inside into the school from his experience,” Junior said.

For his own part, Dawkins Jr. has been to Clemson many times for games but last week's visit for the camp gave him an entirely new glimpse into the program during his three day stay.

“It was awesome,” he said. “Most of the stuff I learned was beneficial. They taught me some of the same stuff my dad taught me. We did a whole bunch of drills and did some one on ones. I was already familiar with the atmosphere.”

Being the first to offer a legacy prospect, Dabo Swinney possibly expected a quick yes, but Dawkins says no one on the staff was bothered when one didn't come right away.

“They told me to take my time. and go ahead and pray about it. They said take it one step at a time and don't rush it, but the opportunity is there. They are definitely high on my list because of how familiar I am with the people.”

Dawkins said he will attend camps at Wyoming and Northern Colorado in the coming weeks.

Last season he had 40 tackles and 6 interceptions. He also plays receiver.

Catch Phil Kornblut every night on SportsTalk and get more of his statewide recruiting news at SportsTalkSC.com and on Twitter @SportsTalkSC.

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